June Read

Picked this up at Kinokuniya with Raf while looking for In Cold Blood. Mel encouraged me to read Murakami's works. Metamorphical, fleeting, philosophical......

<---------Kafka on the Shore : Haruki Murakami------------>

Off dae!!!

* it feels good to stay snug in bed in the morns

Hey, you know I dont think I'm not going to think so much. I'm not about to have a verbal diarroea on how to please the world, i please myself and the world should please me. so bow down to ME! The emperor of purple Sphinxes!

Anyways Matt just messaged me in the morning informing me that Mum has touched down in Dallas safe and sound. I got the whole house to maself and my brother of course for a whole month! tee hee!

*sloshing ard in bed and meow meowing in bed.... i feel like a cat in a basket

Todae's highlight is the movie INFAMOUS!



It looks smashing! meeting Raf later in the afternoon. But not before i head to Cali!

Here's cheers to a chill out wednesdae! HUZZA!

grrrrr!

Dear D,

Seriously, I shouldn't be bothered but unfortunately it does. I believe there is a reason for this. I will take stock of the nature of people and how I shall conduct my future relations with them and I should also do plenty of self reflecting on how much of this is the result of my doing.

Before thinking about how ugly the outside world is, I should first turn inward and contemplate my inner world and how the connections and interactions between the two condition my state of mind.

I used to be brash, angry and unruly but I know full well the price I have to pay for it and in some ways, perhaps I still am. Life is indeed the greatest teacher and for that I am greatful for the providence that has been bestowed upon me.

How do I be a gentleman in the midst of betrayal and deceit? How do I face my darkest fears without rebelling with hate and anger behind the veil of denial? I cannot and will not walk away from this. This is my Jihad.

Mondae yippie yippie!

Got good news from Raf in the morning; he has informed me that I'm able to get discounts on the play, Asian Boys Volume 3 with Alfian's help. It was nice to know that :)

HAPPY ENDINGS: ASIAN BOYS VOL. 3

Opens 11 July 2007
Drama Centre Theatre @ National Library, Level 3

In this much anticipated final instalment of the Asian Boys Trilogy, Alfian Sa’at adapts Johann S Lee’s Peculiar Chris, Singapore’s first gay novel, for the stage.

1992. In their final year at Junior College, Christopher Han and his best friends – Sylvia, Kenneth and Nicholas, discover the ecstasy and pain of falling in love. Later, while serving his National Service, Chris has a relationship with his army officer, Samuel, before leaving for London for further studies.

2007. After 15 years abroad, Chris returns to a Singapore that he barely recognises. The city has become a veritable gay wonderland, while repressive attitudes remain as entrenched as ever. Sylvia has become part of the leading vanguard for change. Kenneth has renounced his past, refashioning himself as a voice for conservatism. And Nicholas is partying like there’s no tomorrow.

Haunted by the ghosts of the past, and yet enchanted by the spectres of the present, Chris is torn between nostalgia for a more innocent decade, and hope for a wiser future. Timely, urgent and moving, Happy Endings asks what it means for a society to come of age.

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As for the schedule this week, my off days are Wed and Sat both of which will be occupied.

I'll be meeting Raf this Wed after morning gym and after that tuition; apparently my kids didnt do well in their mid year exams so the mum wants me to aggresively torture them! muahahaha! I was very very disappointed when i heard about their results. sigh.... am i a bad mentor? I will need to reschedule my meetin with Nisa to Saturday but I need to take Karl and my gang into account. I dont think I can squeeze all three outings in one day! or maybe: Nisa> short breakfast, Karl> afternoon movie, Gang> evening shopping and movie. Ish! macam tak betul aja! Cmon Min! be realistic!

I'm getting my BIG FAT CHECK SOON!!! WOOT!

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THIS IS TOTALLY GRUESOME! Read this on BBC online, this is one GUTSY SNAKE! >

Snake bursts after gobbling gator

The predators died in the clash Enlarge Image

An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m) alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida's swamps.

The Burmese python tried to swallow its fearsome rival whole but then exploded.

The remains of the two giant reptiles were found by astonished rangers in the Everglades National Park.

The rangers say the find suggests that non-native Burmese pythons might even challenge alligators' leading position in the food chain in the swamps.

Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species Prof Frank Mazzotti

The python's remains were found with the victim's tail protruding from its burst midsection. The head of the python was missing.

"Encounters like that are almost never seen in the wild... And here we are," Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife professor, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

"They were probably evenly matched in size. If the python got a good grip on the alligator before the alligator got a good grip on him, he could win," Professor Mazzotti said.

He said the alligator may have clawed at the python's stomach, leading it to burst.

"Clearly, if they can kill an alligator they can kill other species," Prof Mazzotti said.

He said that there had been four known encounters between the two species in the past. In the other cases, the alligator won or the battle was an apparent draw.

Burmese pythons - many of whom have been dumped by their owners - have thrived in the wet and hot climate of Florida's swamps over the past 20 years.

the grudge

I have received news from Senator Kwon through Intel that Tashrik has already sought to discredit and malign the Republic for sometime now. I have already long anticipated this....

I hear that that Tamerlene is in Siam for now after which, he will be proceeding on a campaign in Honlus in the coming autumn months.

I wonder how long I can withhold my offensive streaks. It has been a long time since I held back in pursuit of peace but apparently trashing out at the Tal Chine's office has turned into a boil in my butt.

I have not heard anything from Val Rasha but I will keep up my guard.

Aye aye! You think the Emperor will twitch at the sight of a plebian?

As for other matters, I have already consulted with the Council of Elders to formulate and embark on the Levantine campaign which I will propose to the next Senate gathering in Suldannesselar.

I will aggressively build up the photon shields, all 4 contingents of the AS 5's and the Osirian fleet as well as initiate diplomatic clout.

dizzy...

Went to see Alex off for a short while at the airport in the morning. I was thinking of heading to the gym straight after that but had a headache which progressively got worse. Luckily i didnt bring my gym stuff with me and decided to head home first and rest for a bit before going out again.
On the bus ride home, Uffs called me to blew off some steam. I was sad to hear that she's decided to end it with Es. I thought things were going really well between them and especially so when its a relationship that her family will approve of since heaps of the previous ones were scorched. Coming from a family who is spiritual and conservative is a wonderful thing however, I still dont understand why religion has to be an issue when it comes to relations between two people. so ok there are standard codes of behaviour between the two sexes, which on some levels I agree in the name of decent interaction but its just too much when it comes to the point where women are being on the loosing end. Using religion to subject women into submission, condemn the "politically wayward", define the "other" as an antithesis to morality and doctrine is just plain disgusting. Religion was created to serve mankind, not the other way around.
I would not say that I'm a religious person myself but I do keep on pushing myself to be cognizant of the value systems that are inherent in every culture and nation. It is so easy to confuse religion and cultural practices. Social interactions are defined by the geo-cultural contigencies that shape them and as religion spreads across many geographical boundaries, it is inevitable that culture and religion are intertwined giving rise to different shades of those religions.
As for Uffs, I hope she finds someone whom she'll be happy with without having to be suffocated by archaic cultural norms (not religion).

On a lighter note, I can't wait to get pressies for the birthday babies next month! woohoo!
Han just got back from Bangkok yesterday and it was his first time. From the thrills he was tellin me about, seems like somebody had a whale of a time. hehe!

I got my exam results yesterday and thankfully my CAP score was pulled up! YAYness! But still I still have plenty room to make it to my ideal score. As for now, I'm able to do Honours but honestly I'm getting tired of what I'm studying. I'd like to take up something more practical and ambitious. I do not know what lies ahead but as for now I'm keeping an eye on working in banking and finance which is totally unrelated to what I'm reading. I gotta read up on the investment stuff very soon. I don't have much time.

TGIF

The moment opposed to planning. The practical against the impractical. That moment is a start. Leave planning in fate's hands. The certain against uncertainty.
The most beautiful thing in life is subtle. Subtly present. Not a piece of anything which states something. The mark of his words. Its volume.
Secret affection. Can it be unstated for long. Can it hold. Can it not hurt. Fulfilling it 'all' yet still falling short. Passed the mark but missing it.
Life should be fair. But fairness crushes. Yet it should hold. Because it should be.
Distance is not an excuse. Distance is factor. Why does it yield. Because distance is manmade. And 'it' is surely deeper in the veins. Going round with words and going round in life. The people loved most are the people hurt most. The work of life's defense mechanisms.

min min sick sick

*sniffles.... had been sick since yesterday. leaky nose, sore husky throat, aching joints, feverish....
been quite sometimes since I last fell sick. hope that the glasses of orange juice, water, panadol, fish oil, vitamin c pill and plenty of sleep helps.

Went clubbing with Uffy, Shariffah and Mohd at Saint James and then Meqz later and partied till 6 am WOOT! very rare occasion to stay up to 24 hrs awake and even a rarer occassion for Uffy to club since her parents are out of town in Malaysia this week. Uffy was the star of the nights, packing in her signature "Shakira" bobbing, vibrating hips. GELEK girl GELEK!~ (urgh! i need a camera!!!) Apparently, it grabbed the attention of two Israelis, a Hindi and a Brazilian! but nope; no hanky panky on the dance floor; just good clean fun!

Indeed it was the first time for me entering an Indian bhangra joint. Its amazing how they can squeeze a club into a shophouse by Clarke Quay. The dancefloor was just limited to a square podium and can accomodate up to ten people at a time~ so cramped! I didnt know how to dance to Indian retro so whilst the peeps jiggied their Bollywood moves I..... did...... what it seemed to be a...................... LINDY JAZZ NUMBER!!!! hahahaha! Dont know if I did it right teehee! but the gang and I had a BLAST!

Salsa, Bhangra, House and R&B was the order of the night. Worked out a sweat!

I think it's the smoke that got to me eventually. It conjured a sore throat which then graduated into fever and aching joints. crapz. Yea they oughtta ban smoking there.... uuuuhh i dont feel so good.... I'm not sure if I'm able to Mezraq later for lunch and flicks...



J Lo's Que Hiciste.

Gymrius Rattus

I think I'm in love with the Ab Adductor machine.... It feels good....
Should I should keep track of the machines, repetitions and duration of workouts in a notebook?
Heard of doing this from a trainer who was coaching his client beside me. Is there point?
aiiyeerrr mah fahn lei. So long as I feel good, would that be good enuff? tsk.....

Am sad that the wallet Nita bought me for my birthday present has already torn at the coin pouch... sobz... i need a much more durable/heavy duty wallet. didnt know i'm rough with the merchandaise. Yikes! I'm so sorry Nita! *whimpers

visitations

create your own visited country map
or check our Venice travel guide

Places I have visited:
Malaysia (Johor, KL)
Indonesia (Jakarta, Bali, Bogor)
Australia (Brisbane)
Thailand (Bangkok)

Wishing to visit:
Japan (Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto)
USA (Texas; Plano)
Lebanon (Beirut, Sidon)
Turkey (Istanbul, Edrine, Diyarbakir)
Israel/Palestine (Tel Aviv, Ashqelon, Haifa, Palestinian Territories)
Canada (Vancouver, Toronto)
Czech Republic (Prague)
Hungary (Budapest)
Italy (Rome)
Sweden (Stockholm)
UAE (Dubai)
Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria)
Iran (Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz)
Brazil (Rio De Jeneiro)
Tibet (Lhasa)
South Korea (Seoul; Itaewon, Busan, Jedu-do)
China (Hong Kong)
Peru (Manchu Pichu)
Puerto Rico (San Juan)

Before I expire:
Saudi Arabia (Mecca, Medina)

Am in SERIOUS need of a DIGITAL CAMERA!!! ~ deprived of cam whoring ~
It'll be the first thing I'll buy once I get my paycheck! hehehe!

Aspiring globe trotterer signing off!!!

Life's the greatest teacher

Lessons which I have learnt ~ The HARD way:

1) DON'T mix business with pleasure
2) DON'T trust ANYONE
3) DON'T help just anyone. Know darn well who is making use of you. I'd rather help a nobody begging on the streets
4) Take time to contemplate on situations, ANY situation. It'll pay off.... If not able to make any decisions, just make no comment or do anything
5) Do not look too kindly on the confused. The weak do NOT prosper!

Whats dat you say? Lindy???

You know, ever since Alex told me about 'Lindy Jazz'/'Lindy Hip Hop' or something (a dance ~ I hope I got it spelt right) I've been itching to get my legs to jiggy! There is a certain vivaciousness to the whole dance fiesta. Bet it'll feel silly in the first few tries but ummm I think it's BRILLIANT!!!





God BLESS LINDY!!!!

Current read:

Sweeping us into scenes rich with drama, conjuring a world on the brink of destruction-Iran before the revolution-this haunting and passionate novel tells the story of a doomed love affair.

Mahastee grew up in the privileged inner circles of Teheran's aristocracy. Reza, whose father once worked for Mahastee's family, has become a revolutionary leading clandestine meetings in the city's shadowy underworld. When they meet again for the first time in twenty years, their volatile love takes on new and threatening implications as the political situation in Teheran becomes increasingly explosive.

Anahita Firouz belongs to the last generation in Iran who witnessed an entire way of life fall apart. In the Walled Gardens is her evocation of that complex and glittering world-a compelling portrait of a now vanished era, and an unforgettable, revolutionary love story.

The dust of many crumbled cities
settles over us like a forgetful doze,
but we're older than those cities.
..........................................................
and always we have forgotten our former states.....

Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi

A compelling read on my long train rides and moments of solace.....

siong ah

Yesterday had been particularly exhausting.

Got up early in the morning to meet Karl at Cali at 9 am. Pumped, treadmilled, climbed, crunched and steamed as if I was trying to make up for all those lost days at the gym and went on and on till 1pm. Was invited for breakfast by him and his other half. Hehe! I declined, slipping an inaudible excuse. He seemed very disappointed somewhat but I know well that I dont like to be a gooseberry. So it be wise. Instead I gobbled down a hotdog in between the workouts and boy it was GOOD!

Stopped by Al Falah Mosque for Friday prayers before heading to work. It wasn't when Faisal called me later that I found out that he was there as well. Alas we weren't meant to meet. lol! Happy to know that he's found holyday job. I wonder if Raf had called Wing Tai.... hmmmzz

The last customer came in at 8.30pm and had to entertain till 10pm. Was shagged tired as Friday drew to an end. I wish I didnt have to stay to close the place late at night. It was quite eerie with the silence and dark corners and sometimes I thought I heard creaking at the staircases. And to my surprise, when I changed back to my clothes I smelled perfume on my shirt. I dont recall spraying anything on my shirt and neither could I point my finger as to what fragrance it was. (Hugo Boss? Bvlgari? Tommy Hilfiger?) Anyway I think its Bosch who did it before he left. The boy has this penchant for spraying fragrances so I gather he'd thought it'll be nice to share it with me. lol! Well, could be either be that or some pontianak came to leave her imprint on my shirt in an attempt to draw me in.
(you know how they make their presence known through sweet smells) > well if that's the case it aint working on me so take your claws and fangs and main jauh jauh (malay euphemism for 'get lost') muahahaha!

Boss called me as I made my way home in the cab asking me if I could come tommorrow. Haha no sir-ree! Have already told him that my off days are Wed and Sat and I'm off limits! Dont you touch this teng teng teng! I've already given into him before and I dont think its worth it cus I need my own time. My social life takes precedence as I deem it. lol

Having tuition and meeting Alex later in the afternoon for lunch. It'll be cool. I really need a good day's rest. Speaking of which, I better get heaps of zzzz's for now.

Looking forward to a new day!

flabbergasted!

dear dee,
I had fun with my tutee. (hey rhyme!) he's a crazy lil brat. strangely enuff the sunkist amusement comes from him not doing his work and making faces, calling his lil' sister names and how he keeps on going talking about 'ketiak busuk, ketiak kering, ketiak kuning, ketiak basah, hidung berbulu' (smelly, dry, yellow, wet armpitts and hairy nostrils).

It's perpetually irritating and adorable at the same time and .....i can't believe i just said that.... Contemplated many times to strangle him but only managed to pinch his cheeks. His cheeks are flawless, poreless, pimpleless! he'd be the envy of Gong Li! LOL! alas the skins of primary school children! Wait till you get real hair you munchkin!

Finally got my pay from the mum and I'm intending to convert some of it to Yen. and then part if it for transport and savings. Returned Karl's sms with a call and turned out that he wanted to confirm with me abt the Bangkok trip. He's got two other blokes coming along. I dont know them but he's arranging fer us to meet up for coffee just so we'd get aquainted and be pals.

Well, I'm okay with it. Its just that I've been meeting new people all the time and I'm afraid I'm growing out of the novelty of the experience. *shrugs.

Friends ask how have I established such a wide network? how do I meet these people? Well, I just do. But seriously I dont have a network as wide as many would like to believe. I subconsciouly filter out who are for keeps and who are out. Potential troublemakers, vindictive ones, and those who dont give much thought to words. That way, I suppose, I avoid complications in life. Simple? seems like so. Realistic? ~ who am I kiddin' ??? LOL

Alex sent me this article about duck's phallu's. Didnt know their 'johns' curl up and detach themselves and grow new ones every year. hyuk hyuk! >>> Ducky Dickie

yawnzer....

Date: 02 May 2007
Time: 10.23 am
Location: Home in cozy bed
Weather: Rained last night (weee!!)
Stomach status: Empty and growling

I love waking up late mornings not having to worry about schedules, projects, being late for lectures (good riddence!). What would really complete my morning is the sweet taste of Cadbury chocolate...

Surfed youtube and was glad to know that Sonique's "It feels so good" music video is still up. This number has haunted me since my secondary school days. I dont know what it is about this song that made me remember its every beat and groove. Would I say its a classic? in my books it is!




Thanks to Fauzi who's a big fan of Ken Hirai, that I've been downloading all of this songs onto my ipod. Now seeing him how he really looks like on youtube, I must say that I have grown to be a fan. :P He's really puts his soul into his songs. Ayumi told me that he's pure Japanese. I thought he was mixed pan Asian or something. But nonetheless, he's great to listen to on beautiful mornings:









Just slippin in a Lee Hyori ~ She's beautiful! :D

Who needs James Bond when you've got WENG WENG!

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I cant stand it ANYMORE!!!!



Those were the glory days for the vertically challenged LOL! My toes are laughing!



hmmmm.... I wonder what mood Walter is in right now???